Seventh IVS TOW (TOW2013)
Summary of participants' evaluation
Compiled by D. Behrend

Multiple "x"s indicate the number of people making the same comment.


1. Classes
==========

Best:  xxxxx x  Experiment Pre-checks and Operations
       xxx  RDBE Setup and Operations
       xx  Antenna Gain Calibration
       xx  Cryogenic System and Receiver Maintenance
       xx  DBBC Setup and Operations
       xx  VLBI Basics
       x  Practical Correlation
       x  Topics in FS Station Software Coding
       x  Next Generation GPS Timing for the Mark 5 Era
       x  Phase Cal Basics and RF System Testing
       x  Advanced Pre-checks and Operations
       x  RFI Sources, Identification, Mitigation
       x  Pointing and Single Dish Amplitude Calibration Theory
       x  FS Remote Operations

Least: xx  DBBC Setup and Operations
       x  Mark 5 Advanced Topics
       x  Hardware Maintenance
       x  Practical Correlation

      
2. Arrangements
===============
                     ++   +   0   -
Web registration      9   4   1   .
Hotel                 4   5   5   .
Food                  7   5   2   .
Transportation        6   5   2   .
Class content         4  10   .   .
Notebooks             3   6   4   1
Class assignment      4   9   1   .
Other                 .   .   .   .


3. Overall
==========

Liked best:  xxxx  talking to people who can solve tech. problems
             xxxx  spirit of the VLBI people
             x  balanced combination of talks and workshops
             x  feedback session
             x  practical sessions
             x  learning about new technologies
             x  very informational, expect improved job performance
             x  steep learning curve
             x  seeing leadership of Haystack and NASA/GSFC
             x  real good

Liked least: x  some classes were too general
             x  some information at too high a level
             x  no paper version of the presentations (notebook)
             x  meeting too short, could not take all classes

Wanted but was not offered in a class:
- hardware maintenance and operations of the new backends
- setup, operations, and troubleshooting of the DBBC
- setup, operations, and troubleshooting of the RDBE
- more about VGOS development
- practical correlation and generating ANTABFS tsys files

Improvements for TOW2015:
- classes addressing more directly local problems at stations
  (case studies)
- more hands on
- more time for hands-on activies (e.g., correlation class)
- better seating, too crammed
- include new topics: development news, key features in developing
  the broadband system (and/or problems in doing so)
- classes about operating RDBEs and DBBCs
- add troubleshooting class: what to do if this or that fails
- more VGOS guidance (feeds, antenna, motors, gearbox, brakes,
  cablewrap, encoder)

Other comments:
- Nice people, nice place. Always good to be here!
- As my first TOW, it was great and informational.
- Time and P-cal are important for accurate measurement.
- Add focus on support and recommendations for investing and future
  plans for VGOS.
- Establish Web site (Wiki) for sharing experience between VLBI
  stations and Haystack.
- Create a pool for selling/giving away old parts when new equipment
  is purchased.